Village Green, Millender Family and The Robert L. Millender, Sr. Memorial Fund, Inc. Agree on Millender Center Apartment’s Naming

Detroit, Mich., May 7, 2013 – With the recent acquisition of Millender Center Apartments, Village

Green, one of the nation’s largest privately-held developers, owners and managers of luxury apartment communities, along with The Robert L. Millender, Sr. Memorial Fund and the Millender family, have agreed to include the Millender name in the apartments to honor and recognize the late Robert Millender’s major contributions.

The legacy of Mr. Millender will be celebrated when Millender Center Apartments are renovated and repositioned within the marketplace. The apartment community’s new name will be announced at a later date, but will include “at Millender Center.” A commemorative portrait and plaque will be prominently displayed in the lobby, and a rededication will take place at the grand opening after renovations are complete. Residents and guests will be given literature highlighting the many accomplishments of Mr. Millender, and his achievements will be included on the community’s website.

Robert L. Millender, Sr., a political strategist, was a driving force behind the first generation of successful African American politicians in the City of Detroit. By developing an overall strategy for African American political aspirations, and acting as campaign manager and trusted advisor to elected officials, including Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Michigan Secretary of State Richard Austin, Judge and Congressman George Crocket, Mayor Coleman Young, several judges and members of Detroit City Council, Millender helped Detroit’s African Americans gain political influence. Although never a candidate for political office himself, Millender’s significance to the people of Detroit was demonstrated by the naming of the Robert L. Millender Center in his honor.

The Millender family stated, “We are very appreciative for the responsiveness of Village Green and its chief executive, Jonathan Holtzman, to the family and community concerns about maintaining the name of our father in connection with the apartments. We understand Village Green is not involved with the rest of the Millender Center complex.”